As a newly-obsessed Survivor fan, I absolutely jumped at the gate (pun totally intended) to work with Anneliese. One, she’s hilarious. Her Instagram proves it. Two, she’s as tall as me. Three, she’s an absolute beauty. And then we find out that she’s a recent Journalism graduate with a desire to become a TV Presenter. Of course we had to bring her along with us to the Geelong Cup to roam the fields and get people on camera.

Explore more Outtakes here…

As a newly-obsessed Survivor fan, I absolutely jumped at the gate (pun totally intended) to work with Anneliese. One, she's hilarious. Her Instagram proves it. Two, she's as tall as me. Three, she's an absolute beauty. And then we find out that she's a...

Sometimes, there's no need for words. ... and that's how we feel about our time at the bet365 2017 Geelong Cup. We were left speechless with the sheer beauty of it. The fashion. The ladies. The lads. The champagne. The happiness on everybody's faces. We...

Should I use cloud accounting?

The term ‘Cloud’ is simply a buzz word of the last few years, but it has substance and is certainly a relevant discussion for your business to be having.​ Cloud accounting serves the same function as accounting software that you would previously have installed on your computer, except it runs on an external provider’s server and you access it using your web browser, over the Internet (just like internet banking). Your data is securely stored and processed on these external servers which gives rise to the term “in the cloud”.

The Cloud experience should deliver the following early experiences:​

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Your I.T. reliance including management/hardware/software is reduced to simply a reliable internet connection;​

Your business reporting is more timely, access is improved and general structure is more flexible;​

Your workflow and processes gain efficiency as a range of new opportunities are available to you; and​

Data storage security will be improved as most Cloud providers adhere to and deliver stronger levels of data security than small business.​

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As an accountant, cloud accounting has made the largest fundamental change in recent times as to how we do business. Our clients are loving it and simply, we are too. We no longer have to phone the client for a backup of their latest file, wait for them to post it in (as usually the file is too large to email it through) and then review it. We are now on the phone to the client and at the same time reviewing their financial affairs. We are instantly able to assess how a business is tracking and discuss relevant and timely plans to help improve their businesses performance.

That’s the benefits as an accountant but what about for the actual business owner. I run Xero, one of the larger cloud accounting programs, for my husband’s business.

Processing time.

It has reduced my book keeping time to less than 25% of the previous time taken. I no longer have to allocate one Sunday a month to do the book keeping for the month, I can have it processed in less than 2 hours. As well as this, the full concentration that was required on an old system is not required – making sure you put the correct date and correct amount (to the cent). Cloud accounting programs import your transactions directly from your bank account. This means the date, amount and description that would appear on your bank statement – is already in your cloud accounting program.

Anywhere, anytime.

I can now do my book keeping on the couch, watching TV. Because it is in the cloud, so long as you have internet connection (which is basically everywhere these days) you can get the job done anywhere. As well as this you are not tied to the one computer/laptop where the program is installed. I know business owners who get their book keeping done on their phones while waiting to pick their children up from sport, school, friend’s houses…

Invoicing and debtor management.

Quotes can be turned into invoices quickly and easily. Invoices can then be emailed out as soon as the job is done. Xero tracks when and to whom the invoice were emailed to – therefore no more excuses that they didn’t receive the invoice! The invoicing system is easy to use, and the part I find most favourable is that because it’s so easy to reconcile the transactions, I am able to stay on top of the customers who owe us money daily. It has an automatic reminder email system – therefore when a client hasn’t paid by the due date, it will automatically send out a reminder email, less time chasing up money and more time for fun stuff.

If you are not already using a cloud based accounting program such as Xero, I would seriously recommend your investigate your options. It can half, or my time quarter, your book keeping time – and as a business owner you are much more valuable generating revenue for your business that making sure your bank reconciles.

Meeting Eliza and Viva from Partos and Pike is like meeting Monika and myself in flesh. It’s unnerving how similar we are.

Eliza is much like myself: the organised, process driven one with an eye for clarity. Viva and Mon are our counterparts – the creative geniuses who can pull random ideas into physical beauty. And much like us, it takes the other person to highlight our strengths.

“Eliza is really good at clarifying things. She’s the clear thinker.”

The story of Partos and Pike begins four years ago, when Eliza had the idea to start a fashion range.

“I came up with the idea, told Viva and then had to wait two weeks for Viva to say yes.”

While poles apart in certain aspects, the similarities between the two are a clear driving force behind the brand. They both remark on their shared aesthetic tastes and how they can come together quite easily to create the end product.

They are currently up to their fourth summer range and when I take the chance to look at their online shop, I notice that everything is sold out.

“We have deliberately aimed for small, steady growth. Plus everything is made locally which has its advantages and disadvantages.”

It’s clear the quality control is incredibly important to the Partos + Pike team. They are able to control the quality of production by using local suppliers, plus they can limit any challenges that arise in production.

“We can simply go over there and see how it’s going. You can’t do that if you’re sourcing from China.”

This also suits their ‘slow and steady’ approach to growth.

“It’s better to make mistakes when you’re smaller!”

I couldn’t agree more.

Partos + Pike originally started by selling their range at local markets and pop-ups. Their original range launched in October 2014, which they celebrated with a small launch party. To top it off, they were featured in the popular local rag, The GT Magazine. For a brand that wanted a slow launch, they definitely got more than they bargained for!

“We were lucky, that’s for sure.”

They are definitely onto a winning formula, with demand for certain styles coming in year after year. It appears their shorts are a hot favourite, which Eliza attributes to the fact they are both fashionable and practical.

“They’re a great cut.”

But it’s their commitment to originality that sets them apart. Their trademark prints are designed by Eliza and Viva and don’t expect any flamingos or palm tree prints any time soon.

“We don’t follow trends and for us, originality in everything is so important.”

Originality is a tough thing to achieve in the creative world, yet these two seemed to have nailed it with ease and grace. I was curious – where does the inspiration come from?

“From each other. The conversations we have.”

As for what’s next, it’s all about expanding and working on their publicity.

There’s no plan to do a winter range. Instead, the focus is to expand geographically with Melbourne being the next focus. You’ll see them at the next Finders Keepers market in Melbourne this October. They’re looking forward to getting in front of their customers again:

“You learn so much when you’re with customers. They ask questions we don’t see coming and we can see how our clothes fit different body shapes. We always take that feedback and continually work to improve our range.”

Well, considering their sold out online shop and constant demand for certain styles, they’re clearly doing it right.

“Some people think my email address is a spam email because of the word witch.”

Not the ideal outcome but it’s one Laura takes in her stride.

“It’s the fact that even in this day and age, people still are prejudice about witches. Or they may see it as a scummy type name. But when people really think about it, they think… “Oh white witch… ok yeah… I think that means healer” but White Healer just doesn’t sound right, does it?”

Laura’s journey to becoming the ‘White Witch’, which her chemical-free cleaning brand originates from, started a long time ago.

“For as long as I have known I have always been called a white witch. I grew up with my alternative dad who now lives in a caravan in the bush. He has a meditation room built onto it. I grew up doing yoga with him in the mornings and I’ve always been in touch with everyone’s emotions and always wanting to help people.”

So when Laura was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease two years ago, she saw creating a solution for herself could be shared with others. Hashimoto’s Disease is an autoimmune disease that targets the thyroid and many people with the disease look to limit their exposure to harsh chemicals. Laura began making her own cleaning products in an attempt to reduce her exposure but acknowledges how hard it is in this day and age to be completely chemical free.

“It’s a very hard task to be completely chemical free but by replacing one thing at a time, I have become pretty close.”

Laura has read guidance cards for the past nine years and a qualified reiki therapist for the last four. Her innate belief that we have everything we need to heal ourselves on this earth is an ethos embedded richly into her brand.

“The brand is here to show you all to love yourselves and care for it with what nature has to offer. All the items are blessed and made with love.”

Laura isn’t a new face new face on the scene. Her other passion is Geelong Creatives, a community platform for creatives to connect.

“The general concept began when I found that I enjoyed posting local products and shout outs on myNorth of the Hill instagram, where I used to sell concrete concepts and canvas art. This naturally progressed to collaborations with other creatives, followed by the first collaborative photoshoot of local creatives work. So I thought why not make its own instagram. 18 months on GC has grown into a large dynamic group of thriving creatives with an online hub.

It has come with its challenges. The Geelong Creatives store unfortunately had to be closed and markets are on the way out. It’s something that is happening everywhere – the online space proving to be a silent killer to the ol’ weekend markets.

“We are now focusing on Westfield and King of the Castle markets, Workshops and Membership consults to guide the creatives in the right direction with their businesses. Along with our two collaborative photo shoots per year, creative get togethers, and Geelong Illustrators. The listings on the website and social media posts would have to be the biggest and most valuable part of the memberships with Geelong Creatives.”

Her experiences with Geelong Creatives are proving helpful for her growth with White Witch Botanicals. Laura predominantely sells online through her own website or through wholesalers. She recommends being involved in giveaways or gifting items to people as a helpful way to get the brand name out there.

“You just gotta find ways to get yourself out there. Yeah it does get quite at times but you just need to keep at it and be consistent. Be confident in your brand.”

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Where can I meet clients if I don’t have an office or studio?

So, you offer commissioned works and have a meeting scheduled with a client, but no set location. Or your current studio isn’t equipped for private meetings. Here are 14 possible places to meet with your clients:

1. Make it virtual.

Skype. Google Hangouts. Or a phone call. The most time-efficient option really.

2. A quiet cafe.

Quiet being an important word here. Choose one with table service – trust me on this one.

3. Coworking space.

Awesome option if you have one nearby. Most have small meeting rooms to hire. Plus wifi: check.

4. The park.

Most parks have tables and seats, or you could go down the more casual path and either take a walk or sit down on the grass.

5. A spare office at a colleague’s work.

Friends are handy, especially if they work in an office with a spare meeting room.

6. The local library.

Plenty of meeting rooms to use. They might even be free.

7. Take a hike together.

Walking meetings are excellent options if you don’t need to be sitting down reviewing documents or anything.

8. The golf course.

Feel like a millionaire.

9. Local universities.

Universities have so many spaces to sit down and hold a meeting. So many.

10. Bookstores.

Quiet, and most likely have a cafe attached.

11. The client’s home.

The most ideal option if you need to gauge an idea of the space your commissioned work is going to be featured.

12. Wine bar.

My local wine bar is spacious, quiet and a great spot for meetings. Maybe yours is too.

13. Hotels.

Not your room, but either a conference room or in their large lobby/bars.

14. Council offices.

Council offices tend to have plenty of small and medium conference rooms available for hire.

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Why and when should I speak to an accountant?

So, you have a great business idea but have no experience in operating a business. Where do you turn to next? An accountant. But why?

At this point, an accountant can provide you with a constructive evaluation of your business idea. They act as an independent reviewer of the business idea – they take the emotion out of it.

The below points, highlight areas where an accountant can provide you with independent advice on the establishment and financial viability of your business.

Are you ready to have your own business?

Your accountant can help you understand the risks and responsibilities of having your own business. They will have a wealth of experience and examples of the pros and cons of having your own business. They can help you to critically evaluate your skills, expertise and personality to ensure you feel you are confident and ready to take the plunge into being a business owner.

Break even analysis.

Most prospective business owners have usually had a chance to consider their set up and ongoing costs, the next step is to consider the break even analysis of the business. Break even analysis determines the point at which revenue received equals the costs associated with receiving the revenue. It will help you determine the sales in dollars or sales in numbers you will need to earn to cover your ongoing variable costs. In the case of opening a laundry mat, how many times will the machines need to be used per day to cover costs? For a gym, how many clients will have to walk through the door per week to cover costs? Once this analysis is conducted, it provides a realistic idea of what the business needs to do just to cover costs. It can give the future business owner comfort that there is potential behind their business idea. It can help them understand their cost structure and highlight areas where they may need to cut costs. For other business owners, this can be the point where they realise their dream of running a business is not financially viable as there is no way they will generate X amount of sales per day/week/month to cover their costs.

Cashflow budgeting.

Budgeting can include a number of considerations:

Personal/family circumstance – how much do you/your family need to live off? With starting the new business can you quit your job all together? Does your partner need to earn more money in the short term? Will you have time to get a part time job? Or a combination of all of the above?

Start-up costs – what are the start-up/one off costs of the business? Can these costs be spread over the first period of trading? Do you need to incur them all straight away, are some items just ‘like to have’ items?

Start-up time of the business – how long will it take to build the business up to the break-even point? Have you got equity/reserve of cash to assist in the short term – how long will this last?

Seasonality of the business – once you do get the business up and running, is there seasonality in the business? How much cash do you need to put aside over the peak season to cover the costs in the off season?

Taxation – how much do you need to put aside for tax? When will this need to be paid?

Your accountant can help you work through the above considerations. They can help you put monetary thoughts/concerns onto paper to provide a realistic review of your financial circumstance.

Financing options.

Does the new business require equipment and how is this going to be funded? If you currently have a full time job, you will soon find that obtaining finance as a start-up self-employed business is a different ball game. There is no point quitting your job if you will actually not be able to finance the equipment required to make the business function. Your accountant can assist you with understanding the different financing options and the pros and cons of each option for your business. Generally they will have contacts within the finance industry to assist with the discussions and hopefully be able to arrange the finance for you.

Structuring.

Once the business idea is agreed as financially viable, the accountant can work with you on your long term financial goals and ensure the business is set up in the correct trading structure. This may be as a sole trader, partnership, family trust, company… When determining the structure of the business it is not just based around taxation, a key consideration needs to be around asset protection for your family. The key here is to determine the appropriate structure for your family circumstance and look long term – just because your friend has a family trust, doesn’t mean that’s the most appropriate option for you/your family.

Registrations.

Your accountant will be able to facilitate the setup of the chosen structure – whichever entity structure was decided on. They will also be able to ensure you have all the necessary taxation registrations such as TFN, ABN, GST registration, PAYG withholding, fuel tax credits.

Taxation.

Once the structure is determined, it’s important you understand the fundamentals around the structure chosen for taxation purposes. This includes things such as:

Am I registered for GST? If so, how do I calculate this, when is this payable?

Who has to pay the income tax? How much tax do I need to put aside for income tax? Again, when do I need to pay this?

As well as knowing the key fundamentals of the taxation structure, it is worth knowing how to minimise the businesses taxation liability. This can come from understanding the small business entity concessions, what an allowable deduction is and when a deduction is available. I strongly suggest you have these conversations with your accountant and not with a friend at a dinner party as just because your friend claims a deduction for something, it doesn’t mean it is right.

Employees.

During the analysis of the business idea, it would have been determined if employees are required to assist in making your business a success. While employees can be the lifeline of your business there are many rules around employing staff and it is imperative that you ensure you are aware of your responsibilities. While your accountant is not a human resources expert, it is likely they can point you in the right direction of key considerations for employing staff such as but not limited to:

superannuation rules and regulations – forms to be completed, timing of super payments

worker’s insurance

ATO forms – TFN declarations

employees versus contractors

recruitment and orientation

contracts, pay rates

Book keeping.

Once the decision is made to start the new business, you want to be able track the performance of the business. This is even more important if cashflow is going to be tight and you need to ensure you are meeting targets. Your accountant can assist you in determining the most appropriate book keeping system/program to use. The key is to get a systemised book keeping process from the inception of the business and to stay on top of the book keeping. Some business owners will elect to the do the book keeping themselves – this is fine, so long as you have training on the program and you attend to the book keeping in a timely manner. Others will elect to employ a book keeper as they know they don’t enjoy the administration work. One thing to always consider when determining who will do the book keeping – is your time better spent generating sales for your business or doing the book keeping?

Time commitment and responsibility.

As you would be aware there is a dramatic change from being an employee to running your own business. There will undoubtedly be things that will pop up over the first year of trading that you won’t have considered during set up stage. Your accountant will help you work through the understanding of the time commitment and additional responsibilities required when you are the business owner as opposed to employee.

Other considerations.

Your accountant will generally have connections to assist you with other considerations when starting up a business such as:

Business insurance

Workers insurance

Personal insurances (income protection as being self-employed you will generally not be covered by Worksafe )

Marketing guru including website, social media, reputation marketing

Technology

Overall, your accountant can help you put ideas, number and thoughts on to paper so there is a planned approach to the new business. They will help you objectively assess the fundamentals of your business to ensure you have covered all bases.

From an accountant’s perspective, generally we see the more successful business owners are those who are willing to be critically evaluated on their business proposal. They are proactive in seeking advice prior to making ‘big’ decisions. Most accountants will offer an initial consultation for free to discuss some of the basics of your business proposal.

Should you have a ‘great’ business idea and would like the opportunity to discuss your idea with an accountant; I’d love to hear all about it.

The FBOMB Show: What’s it really like for mums in business?

The FBOMB Show, co-founded by Penny Locaso, Kate Toholka and Sheree Rubenstein, has been designed to inspire female entrepreneurs by uncovering what it really takes to build high-growth ventures. It aims to spark a conversation on the real life challenges entrepreneurs face as they build ambitious ventures.

Though targeted at women, it’s a great series for all creatives in general as the very issues discussed are the taboo subjects many creatives face, yet don’t particularly talk about much.

In this episode, we talk about the realities of being a ‘business mum’ in face of a society that places intense pressure on us to be full time mums yet still chase a career.

How do we juggle the roles? How do we manage the constant battle of sexism around motherhood and working? How are our relationships impacted by our choices?

As a creative, what’s your take on this? How do you manage your roles?

]]>https://outskirtblog.com/fbombshow/feed/0When is it the right time to hire help?https://outskirtblog.com/when-is-it-the-right-time-to-hire-help/
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When should I ask for help?

A worrying trend I see online and in support groups is asking our colleagues for business advice. More often than not, the person giving the advice hasn’t even worked it out for themselves. In a Facebook group, a lady shared this comment:

“I’m so proud to release my new e-book! It’s going to be my new opt-in and I’m proud to say I haven’t invested in any paid help – just lots of advice and support from my amazing life coach buddies!”

I was curious so I stalked her site to see what her book was about. It was a classic life coaching site that ticked all the wrong boxes. The title of her book was extremely vague, it wasn’t professionally designed so it looked tacky, it wasn’t an attractive opt-in offer but most importantly, it was evident that she hadn’t done any of the right work behind the scenes.

There was no niche. No specialty. No understanding of who she was targeting and what problem she was solving.

She was so happy and excited about her new e-book and I could tell it wasn’t going to generate the results she wants from it. Her life coaching buddies meant well – but they aren’t the right people to give her advice on her book.

And we see this happening in the creative world. Many creatives will implement a standard marketing strategy that they see online (for example, offering 10% your next order if you sign up to the mailing list) and believe it will work for them. Many will focus solely on crafting a beautiful Instagram feed because other creatives have told them that it’s their number one sales driver, yet they will neglect all the important work behind the scenes (hint: a glamourous feed may turn heads, but it doesn’t always turn wallets). So much like this life coach, creatives are asking the wrong people for help.

So who should the life coach have asked?

Two people.

Firstly, she should be working with a business coach to develop a business structure that will support her business to thrive online. The bones of her business weren’t there – there were no foundations. She had the passion but not the business know-how to make it happen.

Secondly, she should be asking her target audience. They are the ones that are buying from her – not her life coaching buddies. If she had worked with a business coach, she would know exactly who her target market was. Then she could go straight to the source and find out what they wanted.

This incident really highlighted to me how important it is to ask the right question to the right people.

Our buddies mean well. They are there to cheer us on and support our wild ride into the business world. But that is their only role. Take a moment to ask yourself what you need help with.

Do I need to rebrand?

When I did a google search on rebranding, every single article was all about rebranding companies. Companies. There’s not much information about rebranding for micro-businesses, small business or creatives.

You could probably read those articles and apply some of their suggestions to your little ol’ business. But the reasons why you need a rebrand is hugely different from a large company. HUGELY. And, fortunately, you can do a rebrand at a fraction of a price that these companies spend on their rebrand.

In fact, you could completely do it yourself (which we will show you how in The Rebrand). But we’re getting ahead of ourselves here.

Why would a micro or small creative business rebrand? There’s numerous reasons why and here’s 5 of them:

1. Your brand no longer reflects your vision.

Vision is a wonderful thing. But not the easiest thing in the world to define.

As we are small businesses – and most likely just doing everything ourselves – our personal values are the driving forces behind our businesses. Since there’s NOTHING like starting your own business to make leaps and bounds in your personal development, you may find that now you’re a little more in tune with what’s really important to you.

That could mean a change within your business is warranted. It could be an entirely new direction or a new business model. It could mean skimming off some services or products to make room for something better in the future. Or maybe it means you want to give back to the community in some way through your business (such as charity donations, a one-for-one model or collaborating on community-lead initiatives).

2. You’ve changed direction.

Maybe you started out with one product. A simple hobby where you sold it via a Facebook page or Instagram. Then overtime, you started to add more products, or fine-tuned your signature product based on what your customers want.

I was interviewing Jade McKenzie, from Event Head, for a special bonus as part of The Rebrand modules, and she originally rebranded for this very reason. Her business initially started as an event styling business. But being the smart, kind-hearted woman she is, she realised that the people who wanted to work with her didn’t want her styling their events – but actually helping them plan and prepare an event for their businesses. They were all women who wanted to run empowering events as part of their small businesses. Super niche, right? So Jade rebranded to cater to this.

3. You’ve outgrown your brand.

One of the most successful rebrands of a small business would have to be Melissa Ambrosini – a self-love mentor who sells books and online programs. Her old site was embarassingly bad.

It was ugly. Crowded. And served her when she was relatively unknown, but since she exploded onto the ‘webiverse’, it was dragging her down. Her rebrand was fresh, bold and encapsulated her entire growth. It was a remarkable success.

If you’ve been doing your thing for awhile now and you’ve grown so much – whether that’s personally, publicly, or simply your business is now raking in some good dollars – you want to make sure your brand is reflecting that growth. This is particularly important if you’re starting to get some real traction on your online shop.

4. You have website shame.

Hang your head in shame and don’t send anyone to your site because you’re embarrassed by it? That is serious website shame.

Yes, you don’t need a super flashy expensive site, but you do need to be proud of it. Because if you’re not encouraging people to go there then why have a business?

5. You’ve plateaued.

As in, you’re at that stage of your business where you’re just cruising. Not at the level you want and that’s what’s frustrating you. You’re getting by – just.

And you’re doing lots of things to get to that next level. A new marketing strategy. Working on getting new publicity. Maybe even pouring out the best content you’ve ever created.

Yet, growth still remains slow. Sales are still only trickling in.

A rebrand might just be the key to inject life – and growth – back into your business.

This post is proudly sponsored by House of Sage Agency, the creators of The Rebrand course for small business owners looking to reignite their presence online.